Phaius pulchellus

Also known as: The Charming Phaius or Phaius pulchellus var. ambrensis Phaius pulchellus var. pulchellus Phaius pulchellus var. andrambovatensis Phaius pulchellus var. sandrangatensis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Charming Phaius is a sympodial warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 41-82cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 13-30cm long

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 498mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 12C to 28C, highest in May (17C to 28C) and lowest in January (12C to 25C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.